Thought processes and conversations started under the tilted cap of Tropicana Field. Someday everyone will know the Rays play in St. Petersburg, Florida, not TAMPA, or the fictitious city of TAMPA BAY.

Rays Cancel the Gabe and Gabe Show

During their daily pre-game news conference in the Rays dugout, the Tampa Bay Rays have just announced that they are going to release both Gabe Kapler and Gabe Gross this afternoon to make room on their roster for two additions to be announced later today. This is a huge departure from the scenario that was evident a few days ago where the duo would be a platoon action in right field for the Rays. It seems that their Spring Training averages, and their scaled back defensive play might have been a factor in the decision. ” I was extremely shocked, ” Gross told the Clearwater Sun. ” I thought after I signed my one-year contract, this would be my home for the year, defensing right field for the Rays.”

One main factor in the decision might be the lack of power this spring by both Kapler and Gross. Gross currently has a single home run and only 8 RBIs, which pale in comparison to fellow Ray Jon Weber’s 3 homers and 14 RBI’s in the same time period. Even non-roster invitee Rays Sadler , who has 4 homers and 8 RBI’s has shown more power and ability this Spring than Gross. But it might be the .164 batting average posted by Kapler that might have sealed his fate this spring. Kapler has gone 9-55, which is a masked improvement over going 0-14 to start the spring.

Even thought the announcement goes against the Rays previous defensive movements, it is said that the team might be making a roster spot for Gary Sheffield, who will clear waiver this week after being released from the Detroit Tigers. In a vertical move, it seems that former Tiger, Matt Joyce might have done enough to secure not only a 25-man roster spot, but also a change to platoon with Sheffield in right field for the team. “We consider Joyce a kid who just might have lightning in a bottle right now” Rays scouting director Syd Finch told the media. ” With him growing and Sheffield tutoring the young guy, we have a current win-win situation on our hands.”

Gabe Kapler, who gave up a chance to again manage in the minor league system has been given the same option in the Rays minor league system if he so desires. “I was told I could manage the Tampa Bay Rays rookie league team if I desire until they can find a suitable position for me.” Kapler told the Evening Independent. ” I actually think this might be a great start to a long and prosperous managing career and I want to thank the Rays fans for not being an ex-Red Sox this Spring.” Kapler also will be still conducting his daily pose-offs with Rays designated Hitter Pat Burrell while he is in the Tampa Bay area.

” The reason that the Gary Sheffield situation is so enticing is the PR potential of this move,” Gary Kroger, Fan Excitement Manager of the Rays said before the packed media house in Port Charlotte today. ” Think about this for a moment, here we have a guy who is about to hit his 500th home run, not even our fan favorite Fred McGriff was able to do that in his career. That means PR money in the bank.” Even though the move might be considered dramatic by most Rays standards the team decided to go “outside the box” on this one because of the demands on the Rays showing their true potential this season.

“For us to defend our American League East pennant, we have to get out of the gate early to exhibit the passion and confidence in obtaining our second trophy.” Finch added. But what is more amazing, is that this is also the day, a year ago when the Rays declined their 2009 option on Rocco Baldelli. A decision will also be announced later today on the 2010 $ 11.5 million option for Carl Crawford. Is there some sort of romantic significance to this date in Rays history for contracts and major announcements to be made by the franchise. ” There really is not set goal or objective on this date, ” said Kroger. ” What is amazing is that the Rays and the world take such pride in the date, and truly feel that April 1st is a magical date both in history and in practical jokes.” I am not sure what to make of that statement when Adam Friedman runs into the room and proclaims loud and clear, “April Fools!, you really did not think we would dissolve the two Gabes’ did you?”

30 Comments

I am paying an homage to the old “Sports Illustrated” article years ago that had the New Yorek Mets finding a baseball player on the beaches of Florida.
I loved that April Fools Day article every time I read it.

Dan,
I am not sure, but I would think he is either in his home in Avila, in Tampa, or his old house overlooking the Skyway bridge in Pinellas Point in St Petersburg, Florida today.
I am not even sure he has not sold the S. St Pete house. I still remember him and his attorney trying to get a pier variance years ago for a 1,000 foot pier for his jet skis and boats.
How far he has come since helping lead Belmont Heights to the Little League World Series.

I know everybody’s down on Sheffield, but he still strikes fear in the hearts of pitchers. And he’s always on his best behavior when he arrives in the clubhouse for the first year, so I bet he’d do a great job as the DH for the Rays. Plus, as you point out, the marketing advantages with the 500 HRS would be amazing.

His homecoming to Tampa Bay, his quest for 500 home runs, and he currently has 1,592 runs scored, there is another fine career statistic.
If he did get picked up somehow by the Rays, I would wear a Chef’s hat for him.
No one has caught on yet to the name Larry Kroger ( Pinto in “Animal House”).

I seriously loved that SI article. That one along with the Sam Malone article in SI got me into sportswiriting.
There are a few more hidden things that I will reveal during the day in comments……….I promise.

Today is the one day a year anyone can be gullible and we forgive them totally.
But there is some big truths in that article. The Rays do have to decide on Carl Crawford’s option today, and Matt Joyce has made the 25-man roster for the Rays. It was just revealed here in Port Charlotte that he will begin the year with the big club in Boston.

It is okay.
You can use the word “slick” with me and I will take it.
One more obeservation. The “clearwater Sun” was a paper that closed down in the early 1980’s, and I used to do some upper county sports shorts and articles for them.
More hidden references in the article too.

Some days you got to just laugh.
I know I gave you a bit of warning. But, the Yankee in you might have almost got taken……………I will be glad to see the Cleveland colors again on your blog tomorrow.
I think even a bad meal at Alice Cooper’s place near the Jake would not get you to change your teams.

See, I just told Julia I would not do an April Fools joke cuz it would likely backfire on me and actually happen! Ya know, oh the Phillies like Gary Sheffield…ha, ha! Oh, wait…they actually do?? Aaaarrggghh! :O)

I can not see him there unless he takes s part time gig.
But weirder thing are happening in the last few hours with trades and releases all over the place.
At least we know that Friday and Saturday’s games in Philly are going to be fun…right?

You just about had me there, until I got to the name Syd Finch. What would we do for amusement without April Fool’s Day? Check out my ground-breaking news for today!
SueRants, Raves, and Random Thoughts

RR,
Definitely a surprising move! I guess the Rays have faith that Sheffield has still got his stuff. I don’t doubt it… I was surprised that the Tigers released him. Not as good as before, but he could end up being a steal.
Elizabethhttp://redsoxgirl46.mlblogs.com

RR,
Definitely a surprising move! I guess the Rays have faith that Sheffield has still got his stuff. I don’t doubt it… I was surprised that the Tigers released him. Not as good as before, but he could end up being a steal.
Elizabethhttp://redsoxgirl46.mlblogs.com

RR,
Definitely a surprising move! I guess the Rays have faith that Sheffield has still got his stuff. I don’t doubt it… I was surprised that the Tigers released him. Not as good as before, but he could end up being a steal.
Elizabethhttp://redsoxgirl46.mlblogs.com

It will have to be like one of those Martin and Lewis films. One is the southern jock, the other was a Boston favorite. One was almost a SEC quarterback that stayed with football, the other only played baseball.
I am not sure if it will be a variety show, or musical at this time…………..But you got the job Jeff.

lol.
I almost had a few people today.
But no one got the three newspapers I used to write for back in the 1980’s. I used quotes from all three papers that are no longer in circulation.
Just my personal homage to them.

Who ever gets him to sign the dotted line will get a guy who I think will have a huge year.
He is feeling healthy, and actually looks like he is getting that bat swagger back that was always a sign he was feeling good.

Yeah, If Matt Joyce could just hit right-handed he might have a better chance of staying up after Upton comes back duirng the home stand.
But he is a left-handed batter, and Gabe Gross is having a great spring, so his ticket might already be printed for Durham after April 14th.

I can not understand the Marlins just letting him go like that. He is not under a huge contract, or even considered “washed up” at all.
I know someone is going to snap him up pronto, or they should. There are a few teams that are hurting at thrid base, and that was his primary spot both with the L A Anmgels and with the Marlins.

I even mis-spelled the name thinking some people might not even get the reference. The spelling in the magazine was actually “Sidd”.
It was a great day overall, so why not have a few smiles and laughs about it all.

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.